Timo Werner’s exploits for RB Leipzig over the past couple of years have established him as one of the most sought-after strikers in European football right now.
The 22-year-old has scored an incredible 56 goals in 98 games for Leipzig since his move from Stuttgart in 2016, earning him 23 caps for the German national team in the process.
With that kind of form, links to bigger clubs are inevitably swirling around Werner. After all, a guaranteed 20-goal-per-season striker who isn’t playing for a Champions League club is incredibly hard to come by these days. Add to this the fact he has entered the final 18 months of his current contract and you can see why the Bundesliga club are becoming nervous.
This in mind, which club has the best chance of snapping up this lightening-fast forward? And which clubs could make a left-of-field bid to significantly bolster their attacking options?
Dream: Bayern Munich
At times, it can seem like Bayern Munich have the first refusal on every single major talent in Germany; over the years, they’ve cherry-picked the likes of Mats Hummels, Robert Lewandowski, Mario Gotze, Manuel Neuer, Leon Goretzka and, further back, Michael Ballack, effectively destroying their competition and bolstering their own squad.
And now it would appear that Werner is batting his eyelashes at the Bavarian club, saying of Bayern in December: “I’ve had a nice two and a half years at Leipzig, so they are in the picture [for next season].
(Credit: ROBERT MICHAEL/AFP/Getty Images)
“There are other clubs in the picture. If you play in Germany and want to stay in Germany, there is only one club in question.”
Lewandowski remains one of Europe’s most potent strikers but, at 30-years-old, he’s only going to slow down from here. Werner’s pace and ability to operate right across the front line would revamp an ageing Bayern side, add much-needed mobility to their squad and fulfil his dream of winning titles.
Realistic: Liverpool
Liverpool scouts have reportedly been attending Leipzig games recently to keep tabs on Werner, with Klopp eager to add a player who can operate right across his front line; the Reds already have an incredible front three at their disposal, but back-up centre-forwards of serious and consistent quality are somewhat lacking.
Back in June, Werner admitted he ‘may need to leave Leipzig to become world-class’, and backed Naby Keita to do the same following his move to Liverpool.
(Credit: PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)
The Germany international has also spoken to FourFourTwo about his admiration for the atmosphere at Anfield: “Manchester United and Liverpool were the teams I watched quite a lot in England. They were the two that I’m a little bit a fan of, because they have so much history.
“In Liverpool, it’s also their stadium and the atmosphere.”
Dominic Solanke left last week for Bournemouth, but for Liverpool to realistically bring Werner in, you would think they’ll have to sell at least one of Divock Origi or Daniel Sturridge, if not both, making a January move hard to imagine. There is also the fact tt is, traditionally, exceptionally difficult to convince clubs to part with star players midway through a season.
However, Klopp may well make Werner his top target in the summer.
Wildcard: Borussia Dortmund
Christian Pulisic may not be first choice at Dortmund this season, mainly down to the emergence of Jadon Sancho, but his impending departure will still leave a gaping hole at the Westfalenstadion that will need filling.
According to German outlet Bild, Lucien Favre sees Werner as the ideal replacement and wants to usurp the likes of Bayern Munich and Liverpool for his signature.
(Credit: ROBERT MICHAEL/AFP/Getty Images)
If Dortmund can hang on to their lead at the top of the Bundesliga and deliver a first league title since 2012, that will certainly enhance their chances of luring Werner their way, while the departure of Pulisic would give the forward a much bigger chance of holding down a starting spot.
Squawka Suggests: Chelsea
So, as previously mentioned, Chelsea have recently announced the signing of USA international Christian Pulisic, who will arrive in the summer.
Whether Pulisic is coming in as a replacement for Eden Hazard, or to allow for the sale of one of their other wingers remains to be seen, but it certainly doesn’t address the centre-forward issue at Stamford Bridge.
(Credit: ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP/Getty Images)
Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud have managed just six Premier League goals between them this season, while Werner has bagged 11 already for Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
Chelsea, you would imagine, have the budget to buy Werner, while his pace, touch and quality in front of goal offer a completely different proposition than what the club have up top already.
The post Who should Timo Werner join if striker rejects new RB Leipzig deal? appeared first on Squawka News.
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